World Literature (H) Assignments for Friday, January 22, 2016 World Myths and Folk Tales reading selections: read the following myths prior to our next class meeting on Monday, January 25, 2016. As you read the selections, determine what type of myth each is and look for examples of common archetypal elements and characters. As you read and analyze the myths, consider how the stories communicate cultural values and beliefs and complete the graphic organizer that follows keeping in mind that we will be reading the rest of the myths in the book and that you might not find an example of each element in this first section of readings. Please note: if you left your book at school and can t find a friend who will be kind enough to send you pics of his or her book, you will have additional time to complete the assignments. I may also be able to go to school later today, make copies of the book, and create a.pdf file which I can send out. Important info to keep in mind: for the summative assessment over these myths, you will write an in-class essay (timed) in which you must define each of the four myth types, identify a least one myth from the reading selections that would be an example of that myth type, and justify your designation. You will also have to apply your knowledge of myth types and common archetypes as you evaluate a myth that we have not previously read together in class. I. Reading Selections for Friday, January 22, 2016: make sure you have finished reading all of these selections prior to our next class meeting on Monday, January 25, 2016. The Earth on the Turtle s Back The Creation of Man The Coming of Evil Sun Mother Wakes the World Demeter The Herdsman and the Weaver It Is Better to Die Forever The End of the World
Name: Date: World Literature (Honors) World Myth and Folk Tales Myth Form Identification and Analysis Myth Forms: 1. origin myth explains how some aspect of the world came to be the way it is 2. transformation myth characters or objects change physical form 3. trickster myth a mischievous character deceives another character 4. quest myth a hero must undertake a journey or accomplish a task Myth Type Title of Myth Justification/Explanation Origin Myth Transformation Myth Trickster Myth Quest Myth
Name: Date: World Literature (Honors) World Myth and Folk Tales Myth Archetype Identification and Analysis Common Archetypal Characters Hero The hero is most often young and inexperienced. Sometimes he doesn t fit in at home, and he craves adventure in a larger world. Mentor The mentor is an old, wise, and often strange teacher. He gives the hero gifts, such as weapons, food, magic, advice, and serves as a role model to the hero. Hero s Companions These are the people (either a single friend or many people) who accompany the hero to help him complete the journey. They often possess different talents that are useful to the group. Animal Familiar The hero sometimes has an animal as a pet, friend, or helper. Failed Hero Just as the story has its true hero, there is often someone who has tried the journey before and failed. Shapeshifter This is a character with changing loyalties. Sometimes this character can actually change physical forms. Temptress The temptress tries to pull the hero off the right path, often succeeding for a short time before the hero comes to his senses. Threshold Guardians The hero must find his way around or through characters who act as gatekeepers. The Dragon/Ogre/Monstrous Men These creature/characters often work against the hero, blocking his way and sometimes guarding the Boon. They may not be literal dragons, but they represent powerful evil that stands in the hero s way. Archetypal Character Hero Title of Myth Character Appears in Identify and describe the character as you explain how he/she/it represents the character type Mentor Hero s Companions Animal Familiar
Failed Hero Shapeshifter Temptress Threshold Guardians The Dragon/Ogre Monstrous Men Common Archetypal Elements Light vs. Darkness Usually light is associated with goodness, while darkness represents evil or fear of the unknown. Two Worlds The hero journeys between two worlds, one that is familiar and relatively safe and one that is unknown and dangerous. Water/Tree Water and trees often symbolize life. Inversely, submersion underwater or hanging on a tree can represent death. The Magic Weapon Heroes often has a special weapon they have been given or must earn. The Castle A place of great strength and danger. The Boon is sometimes kept here, and the hero must find his way inside and then escape. Wearing the Enemy s Skin Sometimes the hero must impersonate one of his enemies to survive or continue on his quest. Numbers: 3, 7, 12, 100 These numbers occur frequently in myths, usually representing some sort of completeness. Supernatural Birth Sometimes a character, often the hero, has something unusual about his birth. Virgin births are common, and heroes are often raised by someone other than their birthparents. Unhealable Wound The hero sometimes bears a scar or is wounded in some permanent way.
Archetypal Element Light vs. Darkness Title of Myth Element Appears in Justification/Explanation Two Worlds Water Tree The Magic Weapon The Castle Wearing the Enemy s Skin Numbers 3, 7, 12, 100 Supernatural Birth Unhealable Wound